Cryptosporidium Treatment for Dogs

Cryptosporidium treatment options for dogs vary according to
the severity of infection present. Cryptosporidium parvum are infectious
parasites that are quite similar to Coccidia. These parasites cause
symptoms of bloody diarrhea and loss of appetite when they infect
susceptible pets. Puppies and dogs with weak immune systems are at
highest risk of contracting Cryptosporidium.

However, due to a few differences in Coccidia and Cryptosporidium
parvum, all pets suffering from the latter are unresponsive to medicines
used to treat Coccidia.

Transmission of Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium oocysts are generally present in the feces of
infected animals. Oocysts can survive in the environment and infect
healthy animals when they ingest food or water that’s contaminated with
these organisms. Pets that are housed in animal shelters are known to be
hosts or carriers of the infection.

They may not necessarily show signs or symptoms of infection but they
are able to infect other pets due to the occysts present in their
feces. These organisms are resistant to bleach and household cleaners
and thus thrive in the environment over a long period of time.

Cryptosporidium parvum can also infect humans with weak immune
systems. Such infections can turn out to be fatal. It’s thus important
to stay well informed about this infection and take precautions to
prevent contamination in your home and surroundings.

Diagnosis of Cryptosporidium

Since the symptoms of cryptosporidium are common to other intestinal
disorders, the vet will have to conduct several diagnostic tests to
confirm the infection. However not all active infections can be
diagnosed promptly because cryptosporidium oocysts are very minute and
may not be easily detected under a microscope.

Diagnostic Tests Include:

Treatment of Cryptosporidium

If the pet is detected with an active cryptosporidium infection, the
vet will prescribe a course of antibiotics to kill the organisms. The
dog will also require plenty of supportive care and rest. In some cases
the dog will not require medication, particularly if the immune system
is strong enough to combat the infection. Some of the drugs that are
prescribed to treat the infection include:

If the dog is severely debilitated due to bloody diarrhea, the pet
will have to be hospitalized and intravenous fluid therapy will be
administered. Apart from this, the dog will be given a high fiber diet,
to soothe the gastrointestinal tract.

Antibiotic Medications

Tylosin is a drug classified as a macrolide and is effective against
both gram positive and gram negative micro-organisms. Tylosin and
Clindamycin are the two drugs that are most commonly used to treat
symptoms of cryptosporidium. Clindamycin inhibits the growth of bacteria
and is available as tablets, capsules and in liquid form. Antibiotics
have to be administered in the appropriate manner. Pet owners should
thus read package instructions before administering medication and
should avoid overdosing the pet.

Drugs such as Tylosin and Clindamycin shouldn’t be used with other
medications because they’re known to have drug interactions. Pet owners
should thus inform the vet, if the dog is currently prescribed any other
drug. Although these drugs effectively cure active infections, they do
have certain side effects. It’s important to discontinue the medication
and seek prompt medical help if the pet shows signs of:

allergic reactions

dark urine

fever

nausea

Since each dog responds differently to medication, care takers should
monitor pets suffering from cryptosporidium and conduct follow up vet
checks to prevent a relapse of the infection.